Black Activist Group
Celebrates "Juneteenth" With Call for Black Self-Empowerment

In recognition of the 138th celebration
of Juneteenth, members of the African-American leadership network
Project 21 are calling upon black Americans to shake off the
shackles of dependency and "victim mentality." Juneteenth,
observed on June 19, is the oldest celebration of the end of
slavery in America.

"The knowledge gained on June 19,
1865 symbolized newly-acquired freedom," notes Project 21
member Gregory Parker. "On June 19, 2004, let us - as a
people - acquire freedom from the victim mentality that stifles
our progress."

Juneteenth commemorates the arrival of Union soldiers in Galveston,
Texas on June 19, 1865. The soldiers carried with them the news
of the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery two-and-a-half
years earlier. The anniversary of this day became a stabilizing
and motivating presence for African-Americans facing the uncertainties
associated with their newfound freedom. Today, Juneteenth celebrations
carry themes of empowerment and achievement. Juneteenth is an
officially-recognized holiday in Texas, and celebrations will
take place in 156 cities and 37 states nationwide this year.
President George W. Bush is also expected to issue an official
message of commemoration.

Reflecting on the intent of Juneteenth
celebrations in relation to the current state of black America,
Project 21 member Reverend Steve Craft asserts there are still
too many people who refuse to embrace the opportunities now readily
available to all Americans regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Craft says: "Morally, we should be free, but in our minds,
we still feel oppressed. The white man is not responsible for
holding us back, it is our own minds that are responsible for
holding us back."

Parker adds that the negative attitudes
stigmatizing black America often originate from the messages
of those who consider themselves leaders of the black community.
"The strides we have made are great. And while we are not
as far as we would have hoped, leaders such as Jesse Jackson,
and Al Sharpton would have you believe we as a people are still
locked in 1960."